Category Archives: Society Islands

As we approached the island from the south, the twin peaks (Otemanu and Pahia), with waves crashing on the surrounding reef provided a magnificent backdrop. After entering the lagoon we made our way to an anchorage between the island of … Continue reading →

Raiatea is only 35nm from Huahine, a short and easy sail. We sailed through the main pass off the town of Uturoa to access the lagoon, then made our way to Apooiti Marina where we picked up a mooring, and … Continue reading →

Our overnight passage from Tahiti was fast and bouncy, and once again we had the problem of slowing Pipistrelle down enough to ensure that we arrived in daylight. The wind shadow from these islands extends a long way, 4 miles … Continue reading →

We met Jane and John originally in Baiona, Northern Spain during their 12 year circumnavigation in Tara III, and they followed us to Povoa da Varzim in Portugal in 2008. After that we returned to the UK for six months … Continue reading →

The Authors

Our Mission Statement

In our Wauquiez 48 Pilot Saloon we are cruising oceans, experiencing the rich diversity of peoples, cultures and nature while sharing these unique encounters with like-minded sailors.
In the words of George Orwell: ‘Beauty is meaningless until it is shared’.
Enjoy the journey!

Follow Pipistrelle's blog via email

Enter your email address to follow the blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

A Pipistrelle (Our Yacht Motif)

Why the name Pipistrelle? The previous owners called the yacht 'Batrachian' and fondly referred to her as 'The Bat'. A Pipistrelle is the smallest bat in the United Kingdom. Thus we have maintained a link between old and new.

Our Mantra

‘We sail and travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.’ Anon